Tom Mulcair takes heat online for not taking questions at first campaign event

CBC

Tom Mulcair provoked online reactions ranging from befuddlement to outrage Sunday, after declining to answer questions from reporters at his first campaign event.

The NDP leader spoke to Canadians from Gatineau, Que. soon after Conservative Leader Stephen Harper asked Gov. Gen. David Johnston to trigger the official start of the federal election campaign.

Mulcair repeatedly attacked Stephen Harper during his speech, focusing on the Conservative government's economic record. But it was Mulcair's decision not to take questions from reporters after his remarks that stirred up the most reaction on Twitter. Harper took five questions after his speech and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau did not place a limit on questions from the media.

Many were quick to note that Mulcair seemed to be taking a page out of Harper's playbook.

Political reporters and commentators were surprised.

Some simply couldn't figure out what Mulcair was up to.

And there wasn't much explanation from his campaign.

But some saw strategy in decision.

Several conservative strategists and commentators hinted at a double standard.

Justin Trudeau alluded to the decision during his own speech ...

... though not everyone was impressed with the Liberal leader's answers.

But reaction to Mulcair's decision wasn't all serious. It is a long weekend, after all.

What did you think of Mulcair's choice not to take questions? Send us your thoughts on Twitter.